Summerlin

Immediately west of downtown Las Vegas sits one of the Valley's more affluent suburbs, Summerlin. With a population that just exceeds 100,000, Summerlin's 22,500 acre's has many standard-setting master-planned community awards to its credit along with a host of additional accolades, the most recent being the American Trails Developer Award for 2008, the Best Master-Planned Community Award and Best of Nevada Real Estate Awards, both for 2007.

Broken up into four sections (North, West, Centre, and South), Summerlin has more than 150 miles of meandering trails that connect nearly 150 neighborhood parks, all of which rest in the shadow of the gorgeous Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Things To Consider: With median household incomes that exceed the state average by over $25,000, the most obvious consideration centers on ones personal financial situation. The average cost to rent in Summerlin was just above $1,500 per month back in 2009 with home prices well into the mid six-figure range.

Of course, as the saying goes "You get what you pay for," and Summerlin definitely delivers one of the finest community experiences available in the state. It has a low population density of 100 per each square mile, double tree-lined streets, European roundabouts and picturesque streetscapes. In fact, there's even specially designed street lamps peppered across the various communities that help minimize artificial light interference to allow for brighter stars in the night sky. How's that for a true 'planned community?'

Downtown Las Vegas is basically a 8 to 10 mile straight shot east along Summerlin Parkway, which segues into highway 95. In a mere 10 minutes, you're on the Strip. McCarran International Airport is approximately 20 miles away.

Attractions: There's plenty of amenities available for Summerlin residents. As alluded to above, Summerlin has lots of parks, hiking/biking trails, public swimming pools, tons of shopping options, restaurants galore, and things to do for families in the immediate area. Summerlin also offers many community events for the family throughout the year as well as many classes at their community centers such as drama, dance, yoga, gymnastics, martial arts, senior citizen activities, fitness programs, and arts and crafts. There's also a 45,000 square foot community recreation and cultural facility that includes 20,000 sq. feet of classroom and workshop space, a full-court gym, fitness area, aerobics/dance area, play room, and game room. And in case you need more, Summerlin's also got 8 golf courses, 12 lighted tennis courts, a 294-seat Performing Arts Center theater, and just happens to be home to the Nevada Ballet Theatre.

Businesses: Aside from the expected employment opportunities in retail, public administration, real estate, and finance, Summerlin is home to the Nevada Cancer Institute's flagship facility, the Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa, and the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa.